In Miami, crimes can be classified in a number of ways. Most commonly, they will be described as either felonies or misdemeanors. As you might already know, a felony is the more serious crime when compared with a misdemeanor.
Within the felony category, there are several different levels of felonies. For example, there are first degree, second degree, and third degree felonies. When you speak with felony attorney in Miami, it is important that you learn which of these charges you are facing and the full extent of what that means. This way, you can discuss the best way to fight your case and you can begin to build a good defense for yourself.
Third degree felonies are the least severe of all of the felonies, however, they still carry the risk of significant prison time, fines and other penalties.
What Classifies as a Third Degree Felony?
Third degree felonies can include but are not limited to:
- Aggravated stalking
- Battery of a person 65 years of age or above
- Battery of an officer
- Battery with strangulation
- Bribery
- Burglary of a conveyance
- Burglary of a structure
- Child abuse or child neglect
- Cultivation, purchase or sale of marijuana
- Driving with a suspended license
- Exploitation of an elderly person
- Employee theft
- Fleeing and eluding an officer
- Felony battery
- Forgery
- Grand theft
- Introducing contraband into jail
- Possession of burglary tools
- Possession of marijuana over 20 grams
- Possession of marijuana with the intent to sell
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Resisting arrest with violence
- Unemployment compensation fraud
All these different crimes may be considered third degree felonies and may incur: up to $5,000 in fines and up to five years in prison.
Any of these punishments is potentially life-changing, which makes it highly important that you be sure to protect yourself in court and get the aid of a criminal law attorney in Miami.
The Role of Your Criminal Defense Attorney
Miami criminal lawyers have many roles in these situations.
Their first role will be explain the severity of your charges and the strength of the case against you. From here, they will then help you build a defense for your case, which can be aimed at having you acquitted or they might work towards having your charge reduced from a third degree felony to a misdemeanor.
There are many reasons this may be possible. For instance, possession of burglary tools is certainly a description that is open to interpretation. It is very possible that a Miami criminal law firm could help to convince the jury that those items were possessed for different reasons. There are many similar examples of cases where a charge can be challenged and this is precisely what your Miami criminal attorney can help you accomplish.
So, don’t delay if you find yourself with an upcoming court hearing: call a criminal lawyer today. Get in touch and we’ll be happy to engage in a free, no-obligation chat.
